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Diseases and conditions

In this section, you'll find articles about health conditions that affect women. Scroll down to see categories for specific conditions.

General articles

Hair loss in women: right diagnosis leads to the right treatmentJuly 6, 2015 There are over 100 reasons to lose hair and determining the exact cause is essential in order to initiate the proper treatment. Many hair loss conditions are treated differently – so getting a specific diagnosis is critical to getting the right treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: PCOS is more than a reproductive conditionJan. 7, 2015 Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is the most common hormonal condition in women of reproductive age, affecting between five and 10 per cent of women. However, it's more than a reproductive condition. It’s a metabolic condition that is linked to health issues such as insulin resistance, diabetes and sleep apnea.

Managing incontinenceNovember 2014 Incontinence – the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder – is a very common symptom. This month, Women’s Health Matters spoke to Frances Stewart, advanced practice nurse and nurse continence advisor at Women’s College Hospital, about different types of incontinence and how to manage them.

Effective Kegel exercisesOctober 2014 Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, which support the bladder and other pelvic organs, and can help treat stress urinary incontinence. Women's Health Matters spoke to Frances Stewart, advanced practice nurse and nurse continence advisor at Women's College Hospital, about how to do Kegels correctly to achieve results.

Painful periods: causes and careOct. 23, 2014 Painful periods are a common problem. Read about some of the most common causes, and what treatments are available.

Hot flashes and night sweats in perimenopauseSept. 8, 2014 During perimenopause – the transitional time leading up to menopause – fluctuations in hormone levels can cause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Women’s Health Matters spoke to Dr. Yolanda Kirkham, a gynecologist at Women’s College Hospital, about how to treat these vasomotor symptoms.

Fertility and ageAugust 23, 2014 Women’s fertility is limited by time. Fertility changes over the course of women’s reproductive lives, decreasing as they get older. A woman’s ability to get pregnant starts to decline many years before she reaches menopause.

Heavy periodsSeptember 2014 Heavy periods can be more than just an inconvenience. They can also affect a woman's health and quality of life. Women’s Health Matters spoke to Dr. Yolanda Kirkham, a gynecologist at Women’s College Hospital, about possible causes and treatments.

When should I seek fertility help?August 2014 It's not always easy to get pregnant. Women's Health Matters spoke to Dr. Sony Sierra, a gynecologist at Women’s College Hospital who specializes in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, about when to seek fertility help.

Missed or infrequent periodsJuly 2014 Your period can be considered a vital sign. It’s a sign that your body is in a healthy enough state to support a pregnancy. Women's Health Matters asked Dr. Yolanda Kirkham, a gynecologist at Women’s College Hospital, about missed or infrequent periods.

What is overactive bladder?December 2013 People with overactive bladder make eight or more trips to the bathroom a day, and may get up twice or more in the night, with an urgent need to urinate. They may also experience urge incontinence. We spoke to Frances Stewart, advanced practice nurse and nurse continence advisor at Women’s College Hospital, about overactive bladder, and steps people can take to help manage it.

Flu shot myths and factsOctober 2013 October is the start of flu season. As the flu virus starts to circulate, so do questions about flu shots and flu prevention. To clear up some common concerns, Women’s Health Matters spoke to Jessica Ng, manager of infection prevention & control at Women’s College Hospital, about flu vaccine myths and facts.

Managing migraineJuly 31, 2013 More than four million Canadians suffer from migraine, and it affects three times as many women as men. Dr. Christine Lay, director of the Centre for Headache at Women's College Hospital, talks about what migraine is, and what patients can do to take control of their migraines.

When should I have a mole checked out?July 2013 We spoke with Dr. Jensen Yeung, medical director of the Ricky Kanee Schachter Dermatology Centre and the Phototherapy Education and Research Centre at Women’s College Hospital, about how to monitor your own skin for suspicious moles.

Why does MS affect more women than men?May 2013 For multiple sclerosis (MS) awareness month in May, Women’s Health Matters spoke with Dr. Shannon Dunn, a scientist at Women’s College Research Institute and Toronto General Research Institute, about her research into sex differences in MS.

Endometriosis: a common cause of pelvic painMarch 25, 2013Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the endometrium – the tissue that lines the uterus – also grows outside the uterus. It is a common condition that affects women in their reproductive years.

Screening is the best protection against colorectal cancerMarch 15, 2013 Colorectal cancer is cancer that affects the colon (also called the large intestine) or the rectum. It is the third most common cancer in women, after breast and lung cancer. The best way to protect yourself is colorectal cancer screening.

Yeast infections: when to see a doctorFeb. 28, 2013 Most women will have a yeast infection at some point: 75 per cent of women get at least one during their lifetime. While there are plenty of over-the-counter treatments, there are times when it’s wise to see a doctor.

Breast cancer survivors may be more likely to develop diabetesDec. 13, 2012New research from Women’s College Research Institute and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences indicates that post-menopausal breast cancer survivors have an increased risk of developing diabetes compared to women who haven’t had breast cancer.

Spirometry: the health test that's often overlookedJune 26, 2012 For World Spirometry Day on June 27, Women’s Health Matters spoke to Women’s College Hospital respirologist Dr. Anna Day about what the test is, and why it’s so important for many women to have one.

Wide awake: the causes and treatment of insomnia and RLSApril 30, 2012 Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Do you wake up feeling as though you never fell asleep in the first place? If so, you’re among the many North American women who experience sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Women’s College Spirit of Discovery: Chronic Diseases May 20, 2011 Women’s Health Matters reports on Women’s College Hospital’s research day. Part 2: Learn how scientists at Women's College Research Institute are taking new approaches to the chronic conditions that affect women most.

Breast health

Lymphedema risk after breast cancer treatmentNov. 21, 2013 Women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer may be at risk of developing lymphedema – an accumulation of fluid that results from an inability to drain lymph fluid from tissues. In addition to swelling, lymphedema can cause pain, hardening of tissue and infection.

Breast reconstruction after mastectomyNov. 30, 2015 Women undergoing mastectomy to prevent or treat cancer have the option of having breast reconstruction surgery. This is a plastic surgery procedure that restores the shape and appearance of the breast.

BRCA mutations and breast cancer riskApril 11, 2013 Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, affecting one in nine. In a small number of cases – about five to seven per cent – breast cancer is the result of a genetic change that makes a woman more susceptible to it. These genetic changes occur on the breast cancer 1 and breast cancer 2 – or BRCA1 and 2 – genes, and are known as BRCA mutations.

Breast cancer survivors may be more likely to develop diabetesDec. 13, 2012New research from Women’s College Research Institute and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences indicates that post-menopausal breast cancer survivors have an increased risk of developing diabetes compared to women who haven’t had breast cancer.

BRCA mutations and breast cancer riskApril 11, 2013 Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, affecting one in nine. In a small number of cases – about five to seven per cent – breast cancer is the result of a genetic change that makes a woman more susceptible to it. These genetic changes occur on the breast cancer 1 and breast cancer 2 – or BRCA1 and 2 – genes, and are known as BRCA mutations.

Foot care

Feet first: proper foot care will keep you on your toesAug. 16, 2011 Your feet don’t just take you from place to place. They also help you balance, support your body, and act as your body’s shock absorbers. With that much going on below your knees, it’s no surprise that feet may need some care.